President Trump honors Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day with a proclamation

IMPORTANT UPDATE - At 2:15 pm EST today, President Trump proclaimed Thursday, December 7, 2017, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Describing America's surviving World War II veterans as "a precious national treasure," President Trump's proclamation calls on all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

Presidential Proclamation Honoring the Victims of the Sutherland Springs, Texas Shooting

IMPORTANT UPDATE - President Trump has ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff immediately, until sunset on November 9, 2017, as a mark of respect for the victims of the Sutherland Springs shooting. 

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

We are deeply saddened by the shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, which took the lives of more than 25 innocent victims while they were attending church. As we mourn the victims of this unprovoked act of violence, we pray for healing and comfort for all the family members and loved ones who are grieving.

As a mark of respect for the victims of this senseless act of violence perpetrated on November 5, 2017, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, November 9, 2017. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Half-staff Beyond Authorized Time

With no offense intended, it is improper to continue flying the flag at half staff beyond the time authorized by Presidential direction.

Presidential Proclamation Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Las Vegas, Nevada

IMPORTANT UPDATE - President Trump has ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff immediately, until sunset on October 6, 2017, "[a]s a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless act of violence perpetrated on October 1, 2017...in last night's horrible tragedy in Las Vegas, Nevada."

HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Our Nation is heartbroken. We mourn with all whose loved ones were murdered and injured in last night's horrible tragedy in Las Vegas, Nevada. As we grieve, we pray that God may provide comfort and relief to all those suffering.

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless act of violence perpetrated on October 1, 2017, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, October 6, 2017. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.

DONALD J. TRUMP

No Flags on Confections

While there is no greater symbol of freedom worldwide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette.

Question: Hey…here’s one for you… is it disrespectful to decorate a July 4th cake with the flag?

Answer: It is, of course, entirely fitting that patriotic themes are ubiquitous with Independence Day. The significance of the date and one’s enthusiasm for their homeland are customarily and rightfully accentuated with dress, décor and like trappings in reds, whites and blues. They typically include various stars and stripes designs, among other symbols intended to evoke sentimental thoughts of our country and its auspicious history. Indeed, the American flag is often displayed at commemorative venues on this date, consistent with the Flag Code, a practice we ardently support.

While patriotic dress and décor is not the subject of federal legislation, however, display of the American flag most certainly is. “No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.” Flag Code Section 8. That brings us to our reader’s question.

Aside from that generality, Section 8 also provides an array of specific examples of “disrespectful” activity to guide us in our approach to this use of the American flag. Section 8(i) says that a flag “should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard” (emphasis added). Based on that, we know for certain that the napkins at this July 4th event cannot bear the image of the American flag.

But what about the cake? Certainly, Flag Code Section 8(i) instructs that although mere patriotic accessories can be discarded at the end of the event indiscriminately, summarily and uneventfully, the flag of the United States of America or its “impressed” image cannot be. Hence, drawing on that, our view is that the American flag’s depiction on a cake, the consumption of which by its nature is traditionally unceremonious, and by its nature “designed for temporary use and discard,” would be an inappropriate use. If you wish to maintain a patriotic theme for your cake, that’s fantastic—opt for red, white and blue themes, and feel comfortable using stars and stripes designs. Compliance with the Flag Code requires that you not depict the American flag itself.

Presidential Proclamation -- Honoring the Memory of John Glenn

IMPORTANT UPDATE - President Obama has ordered US flags to half-staff as a mark of respect for John Glenn (astronaut, military leader, pilot, and U.S. Senator), beginning immediately and continuing until sunset on the day of interment.

HONORING THE MEMORY OF JOHN GLENN
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 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As a mark of respect for the memory of John Glenn, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day.  I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017

Yesterday, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, which designates every March 29 (the first one being today) as National Vietnam War Veterans Day and encourages display of the United State Flag on that day.

Approaching the Noncompliant

While there is no greater symbol of freedom worldwide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette.

Approaching the Noncompliant

Far and away the single most asked question we receive is not one about flag etiquette, per se, and this comes as no surprise to us. We are of record that “placed in perspective, much of ‘flag etiquette’ is intuitive. The flag is a symbol not only of our country, but also a tribute to all of those who gave their lives to secure it.” Whether by anecdote, research, or just “trusting our gut,” most of us know what to do, and simply do it.

No, the question we receive most is this: “how do I correct someone who’s doing it wrong?” That, of course, is not an easy answer, since the reasons we struggle correcting others are mostly personal. Perhaps we don’t want to hurt another’s feelings, perhaps we don’t want to risk being embarrassed in some way, or perhaps resistance comes from the ordinary sort of rationalizing we all engage in, and for that, we have no omnibus solutions.

We can only offer our approach, and that is to raise the issue politely, and respectfully, and invite correction. Certainly, it does not work categorically, but once one accepts that most of us want to do the right thing, the result is that most of us will be grateful for those assisting us in doing it.

So by way of example, let us share one of our recent experiences, for your consideration:

A Case Study: The Sports Arena

On February 13, we sent the following email to the Valley View Casino Center (“VVCC”) public relations department:

“Could you just diplomatically pass this issue along to the arena crew to address in due course, if they are willing? I appreciate that their plate is full, but I also admire their character and attention to detail, and send this in that spirit.

“Real obscure issue, but the flag at the top of the VVCC is backward. When the US Flag is hanging, the union (star field) should be facing either north or east, depending on the direction of suspension. This is to say that we ought to reverse the VVCC flag. If you look at the photo below, you can see the flag, and then to the left, the “EAST” label on the wall—that’s the issue. The blue/star field should be positioned on the other side of the flag, to the East.

“Flag Code section 7(j) – ‘When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.’

“Flag Code section 7(o) – ‘When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer’s left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east.’

“The Canadian flag will need to be reversed, also, so its direction (the maple leaf) is aligned with that of the corrected US Flag. This will also remedy another positioning issue—the US Flag should be on the right, viewed from “the flag’s own right.” The flag’s own right is where the blue/star field is, and should be to the East, which means the US Flag should be furthest East. Otherwise, their positioning side-by-side and equally high is PERFECT!

“Flag Code section 7(d) – ‘The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag’s own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.’

“Flag Code section 7(g) – ‘When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.’

“VVCC staff should be conveyed our thanks—they can call with questions. Thanks also for all you do!!”

The Outcome

With kudos to VVCC, this outcome was great, and “before” and “after” photos accompany this post. What it shows is that (i) not everyone is versed on the issues at hand, and yet (ii) most would happily do the right thing were they aware of what to do. “How do I correct someone who’s doing it wrong?” Just respectfully explain the issue, and ask that they fix it. Too, never hesitate to reach out to the authors if we can provide guidance on these issues as they are applied, so that your work can be empowered by the gentle touch of authority.

Improper (the union directed west can be seen from the word “EAST” on >> the background wall).
Image captured February 4, 2017 (c) R. Simmons

Proper. Image captured February 14, 2017 (c) R. Simmons